Nosh Pit Holiday Gift Guide

It's beginning to feel like the holidays, when you're in a pinch to get the perfect stocking stuffers and frenzied to find good hostess gifts in a limited amount of time. Well, we've got you covered, with salty, savory, and sweet fixes that are easy to pick up (and seem as if you've had it planned all along). From cupcakes to honey-infused vodka, there's bound to be something in here for the food nerd or booze hound in your life.

Photo courtesy of Cupcake Royale

Cupcake Royale It’s pink. It’s sweet. It’s the ultimate cupcake experience. Cupcake Royale is bringing you the opportunity to make some awesome baked goods at home (with none of the baking prowess). In a custom commemorative pine box, the set comes with vanilla cupcake mix and a pint of salted caramel, pink vanilla, cream cheese, or chocolate buttercream frosting. And we can’t forget about the cupcake holder included in the box—perfect for transporting your bites of deliciousness from one party to the next. Get the set at any Cupcake Royale location for $49.50.

Image via Canon's Facebook

Canon Class up your Christmas with this holiday gift box from the swanky whiskey-and-bitters emporium. The box includes a 5-ounce bottle of owner Jamie Boudreau’s Boker’s Bitters, two glasses, and a copy of the Pacific Northwest Gentleman’s Companion, complete with the full menu and recipes. This $70-set is available only at the bar.

Image via Hot Cake's website

Hot Cakes Chocolatier Autumn Martin has done it again. Spread the Hot Cakes love with this s’mores kit for $25. With organic graham crackers, organic marshmallows, and Martin’s famous smoked chocolate, you are sure to make your friend a happy camper. While you’re at it, try the limited edition juniper caramel sauce and pistachio-paprika caramel sauce for $12 a jar. Get these items, as well as other great holiday gifts like the standard molten cakes, at the Ballard shop.

Image via VPC's Facebook

Volunteer Park Café Owner Ericka Burke and baker Emily Weeks are bringing in the holidays with a bang at this farm-to-table, cozy Capitol Hill spot. Burke created aspecial holiday pop-up gift shop with mostly local items including honey, preserves, salts, cheeses, soaps, candles, and imported oils and vinegars. And we can’t forget about how busy Weeks is keeping in the kitchen. Chocolate toffee, gingerbread people, and peppermint bark are just some of the goodies she’s whipping up. And, of course, there’s pie too—organic pumpkin, organic apple, and chocolate pecan pie. Order yours by December 19 to have at your holiday feast.

Image via caffevita.com

Caffe Vita Keep the gifts coming all year long with Caffe Vita and Theo chocolate. Get a 3-, 6-, or 12-month subscription of the local coffee-and-chocolate duo at your front door each month. The 12-ounce bag of farm-direct coffee comes with a paired bar of chocolate for the ultimate experience. Warning: caffeine-induced happiness will occur when unsealing the box. Prices vary depending on subscription length.

Image via skilletstreetfood.com

SkilletFor the first time ever, Skillet is offering a special sampler pack with a jar from each product in its line. Featuring a 4-ounce jar of the famous original bacon jam, this pack is sure to be a hit. The sampler also includes the fennel black pepper bacon spread, Thai coconut ketchup, chipotle pumpkin ketchup, and apple vinegar brown sugar pumpkin ketchup. Try it, we dare you—bet you’ll be hooked. Get the assortment online for $34.99 along with other special packages just for the holidays.

Whole Foods Market As seen in our December issue, Seattle Met is bringing you a seasonal six-pack of a variety of winter ales. Featuring brews from Elysian Brewing Co., Hale’s Ales, Scuttlebutt Brewing Company, and more, these bottles are perfect for sipping next to the fireplace or make for a great gift. Shameless plug, we know. Find these six-packs while supplies last at selected Whole Foods.

Image via Parfait's Facebook

Parfait Ice Cream Ice cream artisan Adria Shimada is combining the best things ever: ice cream and Christmas. For the holidays, Shimada is making gingerbread men ice cream sandwiches with either lemon, fleur de sel caramel, or cinnamon stick ice cream. Get a half-dozen for $20, dozen for $36, or try one for $4. With this, Shimada is also bringing jars of organic sauces to go along with the delectable dishes. Try either the classic dark chocolate or the vanilla bean caramel sauces, each for $10 (and available at her new shop).

Image via Phototainment

Seattle’s Glass Distillery As part of the celebration for its 25th anniversary, the Salish Lodge and Spa near Snoqualmie Falls is offering a special holiday treat: honey-flavored vodka. And apparently it’s all the buzz. The vodka is made with honey by the hotel’s resident honeybees and Washington state grapes. These $50 bottles are only offered at Seattle’s Glass Distillery.

Image via barnesandnoble.com

ShanikChef and owner of this modern Indian spot in South Lake Union, Meeru Dhalwala, has a special package for the holiday season. The set includes her award-winning cookbook Vij's at Home: Relax, Honey: The Warmth and Ease of Indian Cooking and a spice set. The Masala Dhaba spice medley has traditional, hand-sifted spices including Garam Masala, ground red cayenne pepper, roasted cumin seed, roasted ground cumin seed, dried fenugreek leaves, and ground coriander. The pair is $85 and available at Shanik's Market, just next door to the restuarant.